9/01/2017

APEDA develops mobile app for farm registration, certification

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has developed a mobile app for farmers to facilitate registration, testing and certification of certain fruits and vegetables, the commerce ministry today said. It said the app “Hortinet” is an integrated traceability system developed by APEDA for providing internet-based services to the stakeholders. The app will facilitate “farm registration, testing and certification of grape, pomegranate and vegetables for export from India to the European Union in compliance with standards”. This initiative is expected to increase the accessibility and reach of the traceability software system among farmers and other stakeholders, it added.

The app would also assist state horticulture and agriculture departments to capture real time details of farmers, farm location, products and details of inspection. Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia said the use of mobile app and traceability system is a great tool in identifying farmers and laboratories from where the produce was sourced and tested. APEDA should make efforts in enrolling larger number of farmers and exporters through the new technology tool, she said. “There is a need to move towards adoption of similar standards for domestic and export markets since the Indian consumer is also expecting and entitled to the best quality product,” she added.